Parliament Approves Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice After Intense 163–69 Vote
Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s Parliament has approved Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as the country’s next Chief Justice, following a highly charged debate, a Minority walkout, and a decisive 163–69 vote on the floor of the House.
The approval came after the Appointments Committee, by majority decision, recommended the adoption of its report. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was vetted on Monday, 10 November 2025.
Presenting the Appointments Committee report, Chairman Bernard Ahiafor commended the nominee’s performance: “The nominee demonstrated outstanding competence, deep knowledge of the law, and a firm grasp of judicial ethics.”
He added: “The Committee is satisfied that Justice Baffoe-Bonnie possesses the required qualifications, judicial temperament, and commitment to constitutional values expected of the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.”
The Minority Caucus strongly resisted the approval, arguing that Parliament should not proceed because the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was still the subject of a pending court action. They contended that pushing through a new appointment under such circumstances undermined judicial independence and the rule of law.
Tensions rose sharply, with heated exchanges between Majority and Minority MPs. The disagreements became so intense that some Minority MPs staged a walkout, insisting that Parliament was acting prematurely.
Despite the protest, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin called for a vote. At the end of proceedings, the House approved the nominee by 163 votes in favour and 69 votes against.
After announcing the results, Speaker Bagbin offered a firm but reflective caution: “This Honorable House has accordingly approved the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice of the Republic. I urge the nominee to take all that has happened from the day of his nomination up to his approval by Parliament into consideration in his tenure.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie assumes the role at a time when Ghana’s Judiciary is at the centre of heightened political, constitutional, and electoral scrutiny. His leadership is expected to be tested almost immediately as several high-stakes matters move toward the Supreme Court.
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Irene Anim is a news reporter and writer with DM Media Group